Coach Dave Allewalt announced before Saturday’s game, which was the first round of the Coastal Ten Basketball Tournament, that starter Dalton Kalna would not play due to a sprained ankle injury. This meant that only eight players would suit up.

The Dolphins started a bit slow, including hitting only three of their first 13 fouls shots and trailed 18-16 after the first quarter to the Cape Hatteras Hurricanes, a team they had beat handily twice this season. Then Evin Caswell started hitting his shots and the Dolphins dominated the second quarter to take a 36-25 lead on their way to a 65-47 victory.

Evin Caswell during a timeout. Photo by C. Leinbach

Although the game never got out of control, several technical fouls on both teams were called, including on Evin Caswell for hanging onto the rim after a spectacular dunk in the second quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Brandon O’Neal fouled out, leaving only seven players. By then, it didn’t matter. Excellent ball handling in the fourth quarter by Darvin Contreras, Mac Kalna, Liam Caswell and Waylon Underwood kept the Hurricanes from getting the ball and clawing back into the game.

Darvin Contreras. Photo by Melinda Sutton

All eight Dolphins scored in the victory. Evin Caswell was high scorer with 28 points followed by Matteus Gilbert with 12. All eight players scored points.

Monday (Feb 16), the Lady Dolphins start their playoffs by hosting the Manteo Redskins and will try to reverse their recent loss to them. They have split their two games this season, each winning on the other’s home court.

The boys travel to Camden Monday for their second playoff game. Both games will begin at 5 p.m. WOVV (90.1 FM and wovv.org online) will broadcast one of the games to be determined and provide updates from the other game.

On a brisk Saturday afternoon, islanders show up to cheer on the Dolphins. Photo by C. Leinbach